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Location: 501 Main Street Half Moon Bay, 94019

The City of Half Moon Bay has an exciting opportunity for the position of Communications Program Manager!  APPLICATION DEADLINE: FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2025, 5:00 P.M.

ABOUT THE CITY:

The City of Half Moon Bay is a Bay Area coastal community of approximately 12,500 residents and is located 25 miles south of San Francisco. The City is governed by a five-member elected City Council and utilizes the council-manager form of government. The City Council appoints a City Manager who is responsible for the oversight of daily operations and provides leadership for the City’s programs. The City currently employs 45 full-time employees in the following departments:  City Manager’s Office, Communications / City Clerk, Administrative Services, Community Development, and Public Works. The City contracts Public Safety with the San Mateo County Sheriff's Department.

The city and surrounding Coastside are a thriving agricultural, fishing, tourism, and recreational destination. There is a rich culture of diverse traditions and multi-generational families who have lived in Half Moon Bay for well over 100 years. In any given neighborhood, you will find farmers, high-tech entrepreneurs, and artists living amongst each other as one community.

Description

The incumbent provides high-level public information, community outreach, and multi-media services that require in-depth knowledge of public sector communications, multi-media, script writing and editing, website and graphic design and experience in managing and implementing creative and innovative promotions and projects.

Under general direction, the Communications Program Manager coordinates the citywide public communications activities and maintains content on the City's website and intranet; implements and supports internal and external communications efforts; and coordinates social media and video communications activities.  Incumbents may function as a supervisor of as-needed employees, or an individual contributor, depending on the department or assignment.

Applications must be filled out completely. Please do not substitute "see resume or see personnel file" in the employment history section of the application. To be considered for this position, candidates must submit: 1) City Employment Application online, 2) Current Resume, and 3) Cover Letter, no later than 5:00 p.m. on the final filing date. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
 
Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee admittance into the examination process.  Only the most qualified candidates who demonstrate the best combination of qualifications in relation to the requirements and duties of the position will be invited to test.
 

Typical Duties:

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Develop, lead, and implement community outreach strategies to engage residents, local organizations, and stakeholders (e.g. Civic Academies). 
• Implement marketing and advertising campaigns to promote City services, activities, programs, and special events. 
• Develop, write, edit, and produce various communication materials including newsletters, brochures, correspondence, reports, speeches, presentations, and special publications.
• Perform the research, planning, and analysis necessary to develop and implement the City’s community relations and public communications efforts.
• Write and coordinate the preparation, publication, and distribution of the weekly City’s newsletter and other departmental and project-based newsletters, as well as City brochures, press releases, multimedia scripts, and other collateral materials.
• Maintain the City’s website content and design ensuring accuracy, consistency, and quality.
• Coordinate and develop the City’s social media program and policies.
• Interface and coordinate with graphic designers, printers, and mailing services for production and distribution of materials.
• Respond orally or in writing to public inquiries and provide information to the public on services, facilities, and programs, as needed.
• Attend a variety of staff, Council, commission, and other related meetings.
• Provide advice and support to City staff regarding public and media relations.
• Prepare and submit award nominations, proclamations, and other written materials as needed.
• Receive, prepare, respond to, and facilitate solutions to citizen complaints, inquiries, and requests.
• Participate in the planning and implementation of special events.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of communications and public information techniques through different mediums, including print, internet, radio, and television.  
• Effective outreach strategies and techniques for engaging community members and affiliations, neighborhood organizations, business groups, and other such organizations.
• Effective public presentation methods to attract and inform a variety of audiences.
• City services, structure, programs, and policies.
• Web design tools; familiarity with graphic design software.
• Social media tools and account management.
• Research and problem-solving techniques.
• Proper grammar, punctuation, spelling and diction.
• Pertinent state, federal, and local laws and regulations.
• Techniques for dealing with a variety of individuals from various socio-economic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds, in person, online, and over the telephone.

Skill to:

• Develop, plan, and coordinate a community relations and public communications function.
• Understand and effectively communicate technical data and complex information to the public and media.
• Analyze and draw logical and sensitive conclusions.
• Write effective proposals, press releases, articles, and award nominations.

Ability to:

• Set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow up on assignments with minimal direction.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with City staff, public, agencies, organizations, and vendors.
• Prepare and present clear, effective, and accurate staff reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other oral and written materials.
• Use initiative and independent judgment within established policy and procedural guidelines.
• Take a courteous, effective, and proactive approach to customer service.
• Interpret, apply, and explain complex laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances, as needed in relation to communications tasks.

Join our team!      

We’re looking for skilled 9-1-1 Police Dispatchers who are passionate about public safety and excel in communication to join our dynamic Police Department.

This critical role involves handling emergency and non-emergency calls, dispatching officers to service calls, and operating advanced communication equipment, including radios, telephones, and computer systems. It’s a challenging yet deeply rewarding position that directly impacts the safety and well-being of our community.

We offer competitive pay, with the ability to hire above the starting rate based on relevant experience.

Work Schedule: This position follows a 4/10 varied work schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays, with rotations every four months.

Pay range for this position is $29.09 - $37.12 hourly, plus additional night shift pay, and amazing benefits!

Our Minimum Qualifications for consideration are:

Education:  Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade. Additional specialized training in communications or a related field is desirable. 

Experience: Two years of increasingly responsible communications or dispatch experience; or two years of law enforcement support experience utilizing one or more of the following systems:

• California Law Enforcement Telecommunications Systems (CLETS)
• Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD)
• National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
• Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) 

License/Certificates: Possession of, or ability to obtain, a Peace Officer’s Standards and Training (POST) Basic Public Safety Dispatcher Certificate within one year of employment.

Special Requirements: Must be 18 years of age as of the date of hire; a United States citizen or meet citizenship requirements; and be of good moral character with no felony convictions.

Testing Process:

• Oral Interview
• Background Investigation includes a medical exam, psychological evaluation, polygraph, and drug/alcohol screening.

A full Job Description is available for review utilizing the link below: 

Join our team!

Looking for a fast-paced, rewarding career in public safety? Join our Police Department as a 9-1-1 Dispatcher Trainee and become an essential part of the emergency response team.

Make a difference every day in this role, you'll provide life-saving services, connect those in need with critical assistance, and help ensure the safety and well-being of our community.

See it for yourself! Click on the link below for a behind-the-scenes look at the high-energy world of emergency dispatching

Paid Training Provided!

We equip you with the skills to handle emergency & non-emergency calls, dispatch police officers, and operate advanced communication systems.

Starting Pay: $53,545/year ($25.74/hour) 

Promotion to Police Dispatcher: $60,507/year ($29.09/hour) 

Growth Potential: Up to $77,209/year ($37.12/hour)

Work-Life Balance

• 10-hour shifts (4 days a week)

• Rotations every four months

• Night, weekend, & holiday shifts may apply

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:  Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade. Additional specialized training in communications or a related field is desirable. 

Experience: Some emergency or non-emergency dispatch experience is desirable. 

License/Certificates: Possession of, or ability to obtain, a Terminal Operator Certificate within one year of employment. 

Special Requirements: 

• Must be 18 years of age as of the date of hire
• United States citizen or meet citizenship requirements
• High School Diploma or GED
• Good moral character with no felony convictions

Recruitment Process:

1. Computerized test - Pass or Fail*
2. Oral Interview
3. Background Investigation includes a medical exam, psychological evaluation, polygraph, and drug/alcohol screening. 

*Computerized Testing Process: Testing is administered by the National Testing Network (NTN), which will share your test results with the City to progress your application to the next steps. 

To register and schedule your test:

1. Visit www.nationaltestingnetwork.com
2. Select "Find Jobs," then "Emergency Communication Jobs."
3. Sign up for the Simi Valley Police Department.

During your visit to the NTN website, complete the registration process, schedule your test, and review detailed information, including the testing process and FAQ's. Testing is available virtually or in person at designated facilities.

Testing Fee Waiver: A fee is required for the written exam. Candidates facing financial hardship may request a fee waiver before registering for the test. For more details, see Candidate FAQ #26 at NTN FAQ's.

This recruitment is open on a continuous basis and selections may be made at any time within the process. It is recommended to apply immediately. The review of applications received will occur at the end of each month.  

**To receive consideration for the screening process, candidates must meet the below minimum qualifications:

• Graduation from high school or possession of a GED; 

AND

 

• The equivalent of two (2) years of paid employment experience in public safety dispatching within the past five (5) years of which at least one (1) year included solo status; or

OR

• Five (5) years of current paid employment with a public safety agency or private emergency medical services agency, with high level Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), radio and/or telephone operation; 

OR

• Successful completion of probationary period as a Public Safety Dispatcher I with the City of Santa Clara.

ACCEPTABLE SUBSTITUTION: Possession of a valid California POST Public Safety Dispatcher Basic certificate, which may be substituted for six (6) months of the solo status experience. Please upload a copy of your certificate. 

The City
The City of Santa Clara is a "full service" city – one of only a few communities in the Bay Area that has its own police, fire, library, recreation, and electric, water, and sewer utilities, as well as all of the other departments and civic amenities expected in a thriving community. Santa Clara is a family-oriented and business-friendly city, led by a city government that has developed an award-winning ethics program and a commitment to fostering public trust. Located in Santa Clara County at the southern tip of San Francisco Bay, about 45 miles south of San Francisco, Santa Clara is a strategic regional hub, convenient to freeways, airports, railroads, expressways, light rail, and other public transportation.

The Department
The men and women of the Santa Clara Police Department take tremendous pride in providing the community with outstanding service through the "Santa Clara Way" of service.  In partnership with the citizens, the team provides law enforcement services with professional and dedicated staff. The team will always identify and resolve problems utilizing all available resources and perform services professionally and with a high level of integrity. To learn more visit our website.   

The Position 
As a Public Safety Dispatcher II, this non-sworn classification dispatches public safety, fire, and emergency medical services out into the community. The successful incumbent will be responsible for receiving incoming calls for police, fire, or medical assistance and dispatch necessary units. This classification is distinguished from the Public Safety Dispatcher I by a broader range of responsibility due to a higher level of experience and training.  

Candidates must attain a passing score on each phase of the examination process to qualify for the Eligible List. A department interview will be required prior to appointment. 

THIS RECRUITMENT MAY BE USED TO FILL MULTIPLE POSITIONS IN THIS, OR OTHER DIVISIONS OR DEPARTMENTS BESDIES THE POSITIONS LISTED BELOW. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN EMPLOYMENT IN THIS CLASSIFICATION, YOU SHOULD APPLY TO ENSURE YOU ARE CONSIDERED FOR ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES THAT MAY UTILIZE THE APPLICANTS FROM THIS RECRUITMENT. MEETING THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS DOES NOT GUARANTEE ADMITTANCE INTO THE EXAMINATION PROCESS. ONLY THE MOST QUALIFIED CANDIDATES WHO DEMONSTRATE THE BEST COMBINATION OF QUALIFICATIONS IN RELATION TO THE REQUIREMENTS AND DUTIES OF THE POSITION WILL BE INVITED TO TEST OR INTERVIEW. 

 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the journey-level classification in the non-sworn flexibility staffed Public Safety Dispatcher I/II series. Incumbents are expected to work independently and exercise judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. This class is distinguished from the class of Public Safety Dispatcher I in that the latter is the entry level class where incumbents are trained on full range of dispatch functions under immediate supervision. This class is distinguished from the Senior Public Safety Dispatcher in that the latter has full responsibility for supervising a shift of Public Safety Dispatchers I/II.

 

 

Typical Duties

 

Each position in this classification may not include all the duties listed below, nor do the examples cover all the duties that may be performed.

• Operates base radio console equipment, transmitting and receiving routine and emergency messages
• Receives emergency and routine requests for services from the public via 9-1-1, alternate emergency lines, and business lines
• Dispatches appropriate emergency vehicles, equipment and personnel in response to those requests, in accordance with established policies and procedures
• Coordinates emergency operations between various departmental personnel and equipment
• Operates data terminals for information pertaining to daily public safety operations, and general emergency services
• Maintains written logs, files, and computer information in the prescribed manner
• Updates computer files and performs other clerical functions and tasks as directed
• Performs other related duties as assigned

 

 

Minimum Qualifications

 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Graduation from high school or possession of a GED; and
• The equivalent of two (2) years of paid employment experience in public safety dispatching within the past five (5) years of which at least one (1) year included solo status; or
• Five (5) years of current paid employment with a public safety agency or private emergency medical services agency, with high level Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), radio and/or telephone operation; or
• Successful completion of probationary period as a Public Safety Dispatcher I with the City of Santa Clara.

ACCEPTABLE SUBSTITUTIONS

• Possession of a valid California POST Public Safety Dispatcher Basic certificate, which may be substituted for six (6) months of the solo status experience.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Classroom education involving fire science or law enforcement related studies.

LICENSES/CERTIFICATES

• Possession of a valid California POST Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Certificate and a valid Medical Priorities Dispatching System (MPDS) Certificate are required prior to the completion of the probationary period.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Must be able to perform all the essential functions of the job assignment. All candidates will be required to pass a City background investigation, which will include fingerprinting and may include polygraph and/or psychological testing.

PERMANENT CITY EMPLOYEES PREFERENCE POINTS
Current permanent employee candidates who receive a passing score on the examination will have an additional five (5) points added to his/her final score. 

Federal law requires all employees to provide verification of their eligibility to work in this country. Please be informed that the City of Santa Clara will not sponsor, represent, or sign documents related to visa applications/transfers for H1B or any other type of visa which requires an employer application. 
 

 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

 

Knowledge of:

• General public safety radio and telephone communications systems
• Police and fire emergency procedures
• Primary roads, streets, highways, major buildings, and public facilities within the City's boundaries

Skill in:

• Reading and interpreting maps; and maintaining accurate records

Ability to:

• Read, write, spell, and speak in clear, concise English
• Learn correct telephone answering techniques, policies and procedures
• Operate computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system with sufficient speed and accuracy to document field activity and create calls for service within response criteria guidelines
• Analyze situations quickly and accurately, while taking effective action to assure public safety provider and citizen safety
• Follow verbal and written instructions
• Communicate clearly and distinctly using radio and telephone equipment
• Maintain composure and work accurately in emergency situations
• Work in a team-based environment and achieve common goals
• Establish and maintain tactful, courteous, and effective working relationships with those contacted during the course of work, including the general public
• Work in a confined area, wearing a headset which restricts physical movement about the work area
• Accurately enter information into the CAD system while simultaneously receiving information by phone or radio
• Retrieve data from CAD terminal or other keyboard device, maintain appropriate documentation of previous events, details, and conversations
• Work in a highly structured environment where all communications are recorded or documented and reviewed as public record
• Handle multiple priorities and organize workload
• Extract information or data from other computer systems
• View multiple video display terminals for extended periods of time in low variable light conditions
• Distinguish and interpret the meaning of colors on video display terminals
• Distinguish and comprehend simultaneous communications from several sources
• Work continuously or uninterrupted as required, standing or sitting for extended periods of time
• Perform with a high standard of customer service, professional conduct, and civic responsibility
• Use emergency medical questioning techniques and provide medical instructions via telephone when required
• Type at a net rate of 35 wpm on a computer keyboard

Additional Information: 
You must answer all job-specific questions in order to be considered for this vacancy or your application will be deemed incomplete and withheld from further consideration. Applications must be filled out completely (i.e. do not write “see resume or personnel file.”). To receive consideration for the screening process, candidates must submit a complete City Application and meet the below minimum qualifications:

• Graduation from high school or possession of a GED; and
• The equivalent of two (2) years of paid employment experience in public safety dispatching within the past five (5) years of which at least one (1) year included solo status; or
• Five (5) years of current paid employment with a public safety agency or private emergency medical services agency, with high level Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), radio and/or telephone operation; or
• Successful completion of probationary period as a Public Safety Dispatcher I with the City of Santa Clara.

ACCEPTABLE SUBSTITUTION: Possession of a valid California POST Public Safety Dispatcher Basic certificate, which may be substituted for six (6) months of the solo status experience. Please upload a copy of your certificate. 

Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Application packets may be submitted online through the “Apply Now” feature on the job announcement at www.santaclaraca.gov.  This position is continuous: Applications will be reviewed at the end of each month for consideration to the position.  If you are interested in applying you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, before the position is closed.